How do I choose my exam centre for SBI Clerk, and can it be outside my chosen state?

You choose your exam centre in the online application form from the tentative list of centres given in Annexure I of the notification. The same list covers both Prelims and Mains.

Key rules from the 2026 notification

• Any notified centre: a candidate may appear in the examination from any notified centre. Your exam centre does not have to be in the State/UT you applied for.
• SBI can change it: SBI reserves the right to cancel centres, add new ones, or allot you a centre other than the one you chose.
• No change requests: requests to change the exam centre, date or session are not entertained.
• Own risk and expense: you travel to the allotted centre at your own risk and cost.
• Language test is different: if you need the Local Language Proficiency Test, you take it at a centre in the State you applied for, decided by the Bank.

Examples from the 2026 tentative list

In the 2026 regular recruitment, states such as Bihar, Kerala and Delhi had no vacancies in the vacancy table but still had exam centres. That is because you can sit the exam anywhere and still compete for the State you chose.

Picking a centre

• Choose a city you can reach easily on the morning of the exam.
• Think about Mains too - it is usually held at centres from the same list.
• Check the exact venue address on your call letter and visit it a day early if possible.